We often hear about how intolerant Christians are–about how Christians hate homosexuals and non-Christians, but is it true? Does repeating something enough times make it so?

If five billion people claimed 2+2=5 would they be right or would the one billion claiming it is four be correct? Hopefully, we can agree the latter group would still be correct, despite the overwhelming majority’s concurrence.

While I confess there are a handful of people who claim the name of Christ, but do not share His compassion, the majority of Christians are extremely tolerant.

Calling something like homosexuality a sin is no more an example of intolerance than calling a Ford a car is. Since homosexuality is such a heated topic though, let us look at it through a different prism. Is it intolerance when a Christian says raping and murdering a child is a sin?

The truth of the matter is we are called to love sinners while being intolerant of sins. But we cannot live others’ lives for them. So, we must be intolerant of sin within our own lives. It is like when Jesus asked, “Why do you complain about the splinter in his eye when you have a whole plank in your own?” (Yes, I’m paraphrasing Him.)

Telling someone something is a sin, however, is not a matter of splinters and planks. Nor is it judging another. It is a simple statement of fact. As an analogy, let us consider someone says, “I have a great idea. Let’s go to the theater and shout, ‘Fire.’” If you tell them, “That’s illegal,” are you also arresting and convicting them? Of course not. You simply told them something was against the law. That doesn’t mean you think you’re better because you only violate other laws. Nor does it imply you are perfect.

If you love your brothers and sisters even as Christ loved you, you will tell them what is sinful.

I’ve been facing tough times here lately. I suppose that means God is trying to get my attention. Besides losing my job a few months ago, my cat recently vanished. Yesterday morning, as I was walking the dog and praying–as I often do–I found myself realizing and vocalizing a painful thought. Despite all my prayers, God is under absolutely no obligation to answer them. He will never be indebted to me. The only thing I deserve is death.

As Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Later Paul said in 6:23 “the wages of sin is death.” It is all any of us truly deserve.

Yes, I understand what Paul was driving at, but I could not help but think of both of those verses at the same time. I trust in God and Jesus Christ. A fundamentalist, I believe every bit of the Bible. I know Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for my sins and that he raised Himself on the third day. But that doesn’t mean I am perfect. The spirit is always willing, but the flesh is often weak. It’s for that reason this corruptable flesh deserves to die. In so passing, I will find life.

But back to the original thought. God owes me nothing. He already purchased me with an eternal warranty and an eternal fuel supply. I am more like God’s chauffer than taxi. By that I mean, if I carry his plan from Point A to Point B, he is under no obligation to pay me for it. He owns us all outright.

Though this may sound depressing, I write it as a bit of encouragement to others who find themselves wondering why God isn’t acting upon a specific prayer or in an area in your life. He will. But He will do it in His time. Keep praying. Keep expecting Him to hear. Keep expecting Him to answer. And keep thanking Him in advance.